Last year, the nine-game suspension imposed on then-49ers linebacker Aldon Smith resulted from negotiations between the league and Smith’s representation. This year, his one-year suspension came about the same way.
Smith, per a source with knowledge of the situation, agreed to accept a one-year suspension in exchange for a commitment not to impose any further discipline on him as a result of the August 6 arrest that triggered his latest violation of the substance-abuse policy. Smith could have been punished separately under the Personal Conduct Policy. Given that he would have been regarded as a repeat offender, that punishment could have been significant.
The agreement explains the speed with which the situation came to a head on Tuesday, with multiple reports emerging regarding the potential suspension and the league quickly announcing it. Often, words trickles out that the player is facing a suspension, and then his appeal rights result in the process consuming several weeks, if not longer.
Smith’s decision to accept a one-year suspension underscores the fact that the league had more than enough evidence to determine that Smith, presumably while in Stage 3 of the substance-abuse program due to alcohol use, had consumed alcohol in violation of his treatment plan. It’s still unclear why it took the league so long to take action, but it was smart for Smith to not sit around and wait for a decision.
Ultimately, he got to play in (and get paid for) nine games with the Raiders. If he’d chosen to sit it out while the league figured out what to do with him, Smith most likely would not have gotten credit for a self-imposed suspension.
